lord, guide them beyond the meager resources of their talents so that they will trust and lean on you. give them the wisdom to believe that in every circumstance you can provide them exactly what they need. may they find opportunities to honor you in each challenge they face, as you empower them to lift burdens that are heavier than they can bear. we pray in your sacred name amen. the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a communication to the senate. the clerk: washington d.c., december 11, 2012. to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable jim webb, a senator from the commonwealth of virginia, to perform the duties of the chair. signed: daniel k. inouye, president pro tempore. mr. reid: mr. president? the presiding officer: the majority leade